Publications

Non-Scholarly Journals

• Sharon Riesen, M.D."Interview for \'On The Shelf\'." Inland Empire Magazine 01 08 2005: 58 - 58 (08/2005)

Scholarly Journals--Published

• Benjmin H.S. Lau, Sharon K. Riesen, Kim P. Truong, Esther W. Lau, Peter Rohdewald, and Ray A. Barreta. "Pycnogenol as an Adjunct in the Management of Childhood Asthma." Journal of Asthma 41.8 (2004): 825-832. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving 60 subjects, aged 6-18 years old, was conducted over a period of 3 months to determine the effect of Pycnogenol (a proprietary mixture of water-soluble bioflavonoids extracted from French maritme pine) on mild-to-moderate asthma. After baseline evaluation, subjects were randomized into two groups to receive either Pycnogenol or placebo. Subjects were instructed to record their peak expiratory flow with an Assess Peak Flow Meter each evening. At the same time, symptoms, daily use of rescue inhalers (albuterol), and any changes in oral medications were also recorded. Urine samples were obtained from the subjects at the end of the run-in period, and at 1-, 2-, and 3-month visits. Urinary leukotriene C4/D4/E4 was measured by an enzyme immunoassay. Compared with subjects taking placebo, the group who took Pycnogenol had significantly more improvement in pulmonary functions and asthma symptoms. The Pycnogenol group was able to reduce or discontinue their use of rescue inhalers more often than the placebo group. The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy of Pycnogenol as an adjunct in the management of mild-to-moderate childhood asthma. (07/2004)